292            THEOSOPHY EXPLAINED
so. The astral and mental elemental essence forms the-
jar, while the energy of the thought corresponds to the
charge of electricity. If the man to whom it is directed
is in a passive condition or is thinking along a line similar
to the nature of the thought-form, it will at once discharge
itself, provoking or intensifying an undulation similar to
its own ; but if he be actively engaged in some other work,
the thought-form hovers around him and waits for a suit-
able opportunity to discharge itself.
But a thought, good or evil, in order to fulfil its
mission, must find, in the aura of the object to whom it is
sent, materials capable of responding sympathetically to
its vibrations, otherwise it cannot affect that aura at all,
but rebounds from it with a force proportionate to the
energy with which it impinged on that aura. Conse-
quently, an evil thought projected at a holy person re-
bounds from his body, and being flung back with its-
own energy flies backward along the magnetic line of least
resistance and strikes its projector who has within his
astral and mental bodies matter similar to that of the
thought-form. Thus tc curses (as well as blessings) come
home to roost".
A thought full of intensity, say of a pure desire full
of love or benevolence, will build a form of exquisite beauty,
both in shape and colour, while a thought of anger, hatred,
revenge or any other evil passion, will build up a form
hideous in its deformity, which is the very devil of evil
filled with the desire to injure and destroy. A mother's
love produces a beautiful thought-form full of tenderness,
hovering round the children as a shielding and protecting
agent, seeking all opportunities to serve and defend, cheer-
ing them in sorrow and, like a veritable guardian angels
warning and protecting them in danger or temptation.